Chapter 67: “Whatever you’re after, I no longer desire.”

Chapter 67: "Whatever you're after, I no longer desire."

As usual, Qin Qing arrived at his regular spot at the regular time, watching the intense battles in the training field below.

Sunlight streamed through the overhead skylight, bathing him in a golden hue. Amidst the floating dust and play of light and shadow, his figure became both blurred and mesmerizing.

Soldiers in the training field below stole glances his way, yet the radiant pillar of light obscured the ethereal beauty within.

Mid-air, the duel between two mechs concluded. For some reason, Yin Baizhou seemed to be holding back today, not destroying Ren Zehuai's mech but only its weapon systems.

This allowed Ren Zehuai to emerge from the cockpit, preserving his dignity.

The cockpit of the "Eye of Thunder" opened, and Yin Baizhou stood at the entrance, not jumping down but instead looking up towards a specific spot on the observation deck.

Within that dazzling beam of light stood a slender figure, face bathed in warm sunlight, just like a dream from the previous night.

Yin Baizhou withdrew his gaze; his handsome face remained as stern as ever, seemingly unmoved by anything or anyone. With a light tap of his toes, he descended.

996 sat by Qin Qing's feet, munching on a stolen steak, rolling his eyes, "Qin Gantang is clearly provoking you. You can only sneak peeks from above, while he goes down there, getting all cozy with Gong Yi. Is he trying to mark his territory?"

Qin Qing languidly leaned against the railing, looking down, the corners of his lips curling into an amused smile.

"The person he truly wants to get close to isn't Gong Yi. You got it wrong."

"Where did I get it wrong? Look, he's handing Gong Yi water, and all the surrounding soldiers are envious. Isn't this marking his territory?" 996 hopped onto the railing, frustratedly observing the scene below.

Qin Qing shook his head, laughing softly.

Inside the training ground, Qin Gantang was handing a bottle of iced water to Yin Bozhou.

Yin Bozhou reached out, but instead of taking the iced water, he accepted a towel offered by a soldier standing beside him. He took a few steps away from Qin Gantang and used the towel to wipe imaginary sweat from his forehead.

He would rather accept something he didn't need than take the kindness offered by Qin Gantang.

This rejection was evident, making the soldiers nearby cast surprised glances. They began to believe their commander truly lacked human emotions, treating even his own Omega with such indifference.

996 was in shock. It never anticipated the interaction between Gongyi and the protagonist Shou to be this way.

It had thought that under the influence of the protagonist Shou's pheromones, Gongyi would be submissive like a dog.

But then again, it seems that the relationship between Gongyi and the protagonist Shou is always like this in every world. Their internal aversion, external indifference, and cold demeanor hurt more than yelling or heartless expulsion.

996 swallowed its steak and praised, “Gongyi has a good taste, unlike other Gongs, who are just clueless fools!”

Qin Qing lazily leaned against the railing, looking down at Yin Bozhou with a pleased smile.

In the training ground, however, Qin Gantang's smiling face turned into a pitiful crying one. His eyes reddened, he retracted his hand in utmost embarrassment and clutched the rejected bottle of iced water.

Seeing Ren Zehuai approaching, he offered the water again and asked tentatively, “Would you like some?”

The coldness of the bottle seemed to hurt his hand, causing his arm to tremble slightly. Tilted his head, his teary eyes glistened, and his pupils turned as red as a rabbit's. On the verge of crying, yet he tried to muster a smile.

He was hurt by Yin Bozhou's indifference and ashamed of the strange looks from others. To alleviate this pain and embarrassment, he offered the iced water to Ren Zehuai.

It was not a deliberate flirtation but a plea for help in a predicament, hoping to elicit the caring nature of an alpha.

Qin Gantang believed that Ren Zehuai would take the water and comfort him with patience and tenderness. It's a protective instinct every alpha possesses towards Omegas.

It's a primal instinct.

As long as Ren Zehuai follows this instinct, Qin Gantang would do everything to ensnare, attract, and seduce him, triggering even more of his primal urges.

Beyond protective instincts, Qin Gantang craved possession, rivalry, dominance, desire, insatiability...

He always sought to seize everything.

The bitter smile on his lips contained a hint of the thrill of an impending conquest, the tears in his eyes grew fainter, and just as Qin Gantang could no longer maintain his pitiable facade, everything that followed spiraled out of his control.

Ren Zehuai shook his head and coolly said "thank you", then accepted a towel from a nearby soldier, moving further away to wipe himself down.

He didn't wish to engage with this Omega, even if the latter was top-tier. However, the genuine sweat drenching him made his rejection subtler than Yin Bozhou's.

Yet, when he removed the towel from his face, his distant demeanor shifted drastically. Lifting his head, he gave a wild and enthusiastic smile to Qin Qing on the elevated platform.

To Qin Gantang, Ren Zehuai was cold and distant. Yet, facing Qin Qing, he became radiant as the sun! Since becoming a top-tier Omega, Qin Gantang had never been treated this way.

He had taken the initiative to be attentive, but Ren Zehuai blatantly disregarded him! On what grounds? Ren Zehuai wasn't someone of immense power and influence like Yin Bozhou. Why would he overlook a top-tier Omega?

Qin Gantang's cheeks flushed with anger.

His fair skin made even the slightest indignation noticeable. Hence, he retreated to a corner, facing the wall, where he unabashedly showed an expression of resentment hidden from the public's view.

Qin Qing glanced at Qin Gantang's somewhat embarrassed figure, the corners of his thin lips curling into a mocking smirk.

"Are you Qin Qing, the military doctor?" A deep, resonant voice echoed, stirring the dust in the light beams.

Qin Qing quickly concealed all emotion and turned his gaze.

At some point, Yin Bozhou had appeared at the other end of the platform, his gaze inscrutable.

"Why didn't you alert me when he arrived?" Qin Qing mentally lamented.

"Damn it, I had no idea either! The moment I looked up, Gongyi was here. He's the strongest fighter in this world. Compared to him, I'm just trash." 996 quickly hid with its steak in tow.

For some reason, it felt somewhat wary of this man, as if having encountered another Cang Mia.

"Commander," Qin Qing immediately stood at attention, saluting, "I'm Qin Qing. How may I assist you?"

"Follow me," Yin Bozhou coldly commanded before heading toward the dimly lit corridor.

Qin Qing promptly followed.

996 hesitated for a moment but quietly trailed behind.

The two, followed by the cat, descended from the platform to a control room adjacent to the training ground.

Yin Bozhou unlocked the control room door with his iris recognition, ushered Qin Qing inside, and then closed the door.

996 slipped in just as the door was about to shut tight.

The control room was adorned with numerous surveillance screens, each displaying live combat taking place within the training ground. Each view was clear, automatically providing a stream of analytical data.

Yin Bozhou extended his distinctly jointed fingers, pressing a few keys, and the screens began to replay his previous fight with Ren Zehuai.

"From now on, watch from here. I've granted you access," Yin Bozhou swiftly tapped the control panel, elevating Qin Qing's privileges.

Qin Qing paused, a puzzled expression on his face. "Commander, why?"

"It's not wise for you to watch me out in the open. Imperial law prohibits it until our guardian covenant is dissolved," Yin Bozhou remarked impassively.

Qin Qing froze again, his mind blanking for a moment, then a gentle smile gradually surfaced in his dark eyes. This smile spread slowly, lighting up his delicate lips, blooming like a flower.

It was the first time Yin Bozhou had seen him up close and realized how silently breathtaking a person's smile could be.

Yin Bozhou gazed intently at this smile, his hollow eyes faintly shimmering, like the subtle glow of a never-before-discovered star.

Qin Qing covered his lips and chuckled softly.

He realized that this man thought he frequented the training grounds to spy on him and was worried he'd get into legal trouble, thus offering a better vantage point for the voyeur.

Qin Qing never imagined that his deity could be so narcissistic and so utterly serious about it.

However, he was right. Qin Qing's daily presence was indeed to watch him, but he couldn't admit it now.

Lowering his hand, Qin Qing shook his head with a smile, "No, Commander, I'm not here to watch you."

Yin Bozhou's profound gaze followed Qin Qing's slender hand, then up to his softly smiling, enchanting face.

Finally, with great restraint, he averted his eyes and said coolly, "Hmm, understood. If Qin Gantang inquires, tell him the same."

Qin Qing turned his head, covering his lips again with a chuckle.

Yin Bozhou's eyes once more fixated, focusing intently on the back of Qin Qing's hand, pale with delicate blue veins visible.

Such translucent, fragile skin would surely bruise with just a gentle touch, wouldn't it? If one wasn't careful, it might even tear. So how cautiously should one approach him?

This peculiar thought dominated Yin Bozhou's mind.

His face remained as chiseled, resolute, and untouchably cold as ever. No one could guess that a simmering heat was gradually stirring within his body and blood.

He furrowed his brow, making him appear even colder.

Qin Qing slowly faded his smile, saying earnestly, "Commander, I genuinely didn't come to watch you. You've misunderstood."

The control room was spacious, but to Yin Bozhou, it felt confining. With Qin Qing being too close, he was worried about accidentally hurting him.

"From now on, avoid watching me train from the platform. Watch from here," he said, turning towards the door.

996 exclaimed in astonishment, "This alpha is so narcissistic! Regardless of your explanation, he's convinced you're infatuated with him!"

Qin Qing's eyes twinkled with mirth. Taking a few steps forward, he asked softly, "Commander, you're aware that I'm an Omega without pheromones, right?"

Yin Bozhou halted but didn't turn around, "I am aware."

Qin Qing slowly approached him, asking his retreating figure, "How do you view that?"

Holding the doorknob, Yin Bozhou responded measuredly, "Because of pheromone compatibility, I'm bound to your brother, Qin Gantang. What's your perspective on that?"

I have no opinion; I only want to break your bond. That's what Qin Qing thought, but he couldn't voice it.

His eyes slightly closed, he shook his head in confusion, "I don't know."

Yin Bozhou turned to face him, looking directly into his eyes, stating deliberately, "Such bonds exist to ensure the survival of alphas, to grant Omegas the right to protection, to bolster the empire's population and military strength. Their existence is rational."

Qin Qing looked up, his eyes misting with unshed tears.

Such words undeniably hit the most sensitive, most painful spot in his heart. As a purposeless Omega, his existence felt irrational.

996 rushed up indignantly, despite its inner fears, and spat out, "Nonsense about 'existence being rational'! You're spouting rubbish! Qin Qing, let's not save him. Let the protagonist take his fortune! After all, he believes it's all 'rational'."

Qin Qing placed his right hand behind his back, swinging his slender index finger side-to-side, signaling 996 to refrain from causing trouble.

Yin Bozhou cast a placid gaze in their direction.

Those tender, affectionate, peach-blossom-like eyes, hurt by his words, now welled up with tears, the deep black irises reflecting shattered starlight.

Why does the world have beings so fragile? One must tread lightly not only around their physical being but also handle their souls with utmost tenderness.

Desiring to grasp them, yet fearing they might dissipate like the gentle southern breeze. Yearning to cradle them, yet wary they'd slip away silently like stream water through one's fingers.

Yin Bozhou took a few steps back, his rigid back pressing against the door, allowing himself to breathe subtly, imperceptibly.

Just moments ago, he instinctively held his breath, fearing that his increasingly heavy breathing would scatter Qin Qing away, like how the chilly autumn wind scatters the vivid wisteria blooms.

He forced himself to look into Qin Qing's dewy eyes, and continued in a cold tone, “Considering these factors, if there's a person who doesn't need to be controlled by pheromones, doesn't need to be put on display online for others to pick, and isn't controlled by so-called authoritative institutions in matters of marriage and life, I believe it's quite reasonable.”

Looking even deeper into Qin Qing's eyes, he emphasized, “You can remain uncontrolled, unpicked, and undominated. Do you think that's reasonable?”

Qin Qing was stunned, gazing blankly with foggy eyes.

So Yin Bozhou spoke again, “In front of someone like me who is controlled, chosen, and dominated, do you think your very existence is reasonable?”

Qin Qing finally snapped back, the mistiness in his eyes clearing to reveal a bright sparkle. He couldn't help but smile.

Indeed, how could his existence be unreasonable? Compared to everyone else's lack of control, he could fully determine his own life, and that was the greatest fortune. If his predecessor were here and heard such words, would he still choose to vanish?

Sadly, he never met someone as wonderful as Yin Bozhou, but I did. Qin Qing's eyes curved, his smile growing even more radiant.

Yin Bozhou, watching that smile, imperceptibly allowed the corners of his straight lips to lift.

Yet in the next second, that smile faded.

Qin Qing shook his head bitterly and said, “Commander, without pheromones, the alpha I secretly admire will never be with me. Don't you think that's an insolvable problem?”

Yin Bozhou suddenly turned around, facing the door. He pressed his palm onto the scanner, unlocking it with his palm print.

He strode out, his exit seemingly hurried yet resolute, stating deeply, “I don't know how other alphas perceive pheromones, but to me, it's merely a beguiling scent. My life won't be controlled by it.”

With that, he walked away, his figure slowly blending into the dim corridor, looming like a towering structure.

A tower that would never collapse.

Qin Qing watched his retreating figure for a long time, waiting until he disappeared into the corridor before closing the door, slowly covering his reddened and moist eyes.

His deity was comforting him.

His deity told him — your existence is the best there is.

His deity also said — I'm not controlled by pheromones, so even if you don't have them, I don't mind.

Qin Qing leaned against the door, bursting into an uncontrollable chuckle.

996 swished its thick tail disdainfully, snorting coldly, "He managed to redeem himself with words. Let's save him nonetheless."

After taking a long time to compose himself, Qin Qing finally left the control room and headed to the training field.

Seeing him, the warriors' eyes lit up, and they intensified their training. Some even lifted weights that were hundreds of pounds, deliberately letting out deep, seductive roars.

Yin Bozhou, standing on the sidelines, shot a cold glance in Qin Qing's direction, his brows deeply furrowed.

He seemed quite displeased with Qin Qing's presence.

A mere fleeting glance from his inscrutable eyes made all the warriors retract their heated stares. Those who were deliberately loud now fell silent as cicadas in winter.

Qin Gantang was sitting on the side, arms wrapped around his knees, chatting gleefully with some warriors. Now and then, he'd glance at Yin Bozhou, then shift his gaze inconspicuously to Ren Zehuai.

Ren Zehuai was weight training, his jacket discarded, revealing a sweaty torso. Each time he lifted a dumbbell, the muscles in his arms and back tensed, revealing an alluring texture.

He was like a lone wolf, an indomitable wildness flowing in his veins, making him even more elusive than Yin Bozhou unless he acknowledged you.

Qin Gantang's eyes heated up from watching him.

The more an alpha dismissed him, the more he yearned for them.

Suddenly, Ren Zehuai put down his dumbbell and turned his gaze, and the wild face surprisingly broke into a joyous smile.

Following his gaze, Qin Gantang unsurprisingly spotted Qin Qing.

Once this man arrived, all of Ren Zehuai's attention was diverted to him. Even the surrounding warriors became slightly bashful. Were they all enamored by Qin Qing's face?

A worthless individual without pheromones would eventually cause one to mentally break if associated closely. Didn't these men know that?

Jealousy churned within Qin Gantang, yet he stood up, waving at Qin Qing with a brilliant smile.

Just then, an accident occurred on the field. Two mechs fighting each other collided and plummeted from the sky. Before hitting the ground, they exploded. Countless parts flew like projectiles, attacking everyone indiscriminately.

Terrified, Qin Gantang turned pale, shouting, "Yin Bozhou, come save me!"

However, Yin Bozhou quickly ran toward Qin Qing, not sparing Qin Gantang a glance.

It was logical. Qin Qing, a defenseless Omega, was closest to Yin Bozhou. It was evident he'd prioritize saving Qin Qing.

Qin Gantang didn't understand why he was pondering so much at a life-threatening moment. Without such self-reassurance, he probably would've exploded in anger.

He swiftly turned to Ren Zehuai, reaching out in desperation, "Ren Zehuai, save me!"

Without thinking, Ren Zehuai started running towards Qin Gantang. But spotting several warriors already shielding Qin Gantang and deflecting the flying metal shards, he swiftly changed direction towards Qin Qing.

Before he could claim him, he wouldn’t let Qin Gantang discern his true intentions.

The man was senseless, neglecting what was handed to him, only to covet what belonged to others. The more someone adored him, the more he disregarded them. But when overlooked, he insisted on throwing himself forward.

So despicable!

Ren Zehuai smirked with disdain.

Witnessing Ren Zehuai abandon him and recklessly dash to Qin Qing, Qin Gantang could no longer console himself. The hatred consumed him, fueling an intensified desire to possess.

He vowed that he wouldn't rest until he snatched Ren Zehuai from Qin Qing's grasp.

"Just wait! All of you, wait and see!" Fury blazed in Qin Gantang's eyes.

Ren Zehuai cast a glance back, catching sight of a face twisted with envy, a hint of amusement curling his lips.

His prey would soon be captured.

By the time Ren Zehuai reached him, Qin Qing was already cradled in Yin Bozhou's embrace. Yin deftly hopped onto a viewing platform, then leaped onto a maintenance ladder several meters high, effortlessly evading the scattered metal.

Qin Qing clung tightly to Yin Bozhou's sturdy waist, eyes shut in fear. His lush, quivering eyelashes fluttered, endearingly reminiscent of fuzzy flower buds.

Not long ago, Yin Bozhou had pondered how delicately he must approach this man and with what gentle force he could touch without causing harm.

Now he understood.

It had to be gentle, as light as a fingertip grazing a bubble. It had to be tender, akin to hands cradling a fragile infant. One must concentrate their entire being into their hands, cherishing this cloud of softness.

Holding Qin Qing required even more focus than controlling a mech.

Sweat began to form on Yin Bozhou's brow.

One hand wrapped around Qin Qing's waist, and the other supported his firm buttocks. Such a slender, soft waist; such perky, tight curves.

Consequently, more sweat broke out on Yin Bozhou's forehead.

When he landed safely with Qin Qing in his arms, Yin Bozhou felt more exhausted than after piloting a mech to kill hundreds of insectoids.

He whispered huskily into Qin Qing's ear, "This is precisely why I asked you to stay in the control room. The training field is too dangerous."

Qin Qing opened his eyes, brimming with tears of shock.

Yin Bozhou's expression momentarily stiffened, but he quickly softened his tone, "Don't be scared. I won't let any harm come your way."

"Thank you, Commander."

Before Qin Qing could say another word, Yin Bozhou released him, deliberately stepping back and turning to leave.

"Is anyone injured?" He called out loudly, heading towards the two mechs that crashed into a deep pit.

The surroundings were chaotic, filled with uproar. Many metal fragments were embedded in the ground, flames erupting from them, and nearby buildings were collapsing.

Yin Bozhou's towering figure blended into the smoke and dust, standing strong like an unyielding pillar.

Being anchored to him was the safest. He would offer his most genuine heart and passionate blood. Qin Qing covered his lips, unable to suppress a smile.

How could he possibly forsake such a deity for someone else?

"Qin Qing, are you alright?" Ren Zehuai arrived belatedly, feigning concern.

"I'm fine, and you?" With his hand away from his mouth, love was absent from Qin Qing's face, replaced by residual shock.

"An old injury of mine has flared up. It hurts beneath my ribs. Can you take me to the medical room?" Ren Zehuai covered his stomach, pretending to be weak.

Immediately, Qin Qing supported him, saying gently, "Of course, let's go right now."

The two left side by side, their silhouettes intimating closeness.

"Damn, if I'd known, I would've feigned an injury too. Who'll punch me lightly so I can go to the medical room?" A warrior shouted, raising his hand.

Several warriors gathered around, laughing and ready to give him a good beating.

Yin Bozhou cast an indifferent glance over, causing them to instantly behave. Then, his gaze shifted to the two walking side by side, a flicker of coldness evident in his deep eyes.

An idea flashed in Qin Gantang's mind, and he clutched his head, exclaiming, "My head hurts so bad, Yin Bozhou, will you take me to the medical room?"

He expected Yin Bozhou to continue his usual indifference. But this time, he was mistaken.

Yīn Bǎizhōu unexpectedly approached, stating coldly, "Come on, I'll walk you out."

Did he agree?

Qín Gāntáng froze, her eyes widened in disbelief, as if she couldn't trust what she had just heard.

Moments later, a joyfully reflective Qín Gāntáng thought: Could the change in his behavior have been due to the danger I faced earlier? Did Yīn Bǎizhōu only realize he cared for me when he thought he was about to lose me? Finally, my wait is over!